IDES recovers $44 Million

In 2012, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported more than $44 million was recovered from 20,000 people who wrongfully collected unemployment insurance. Federal tax returns were confiscated from those who refused IDES' offer of a repayment plan.

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The Carmi Times - Carmi, IL

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Posted Feb. 18, 2013 at 10:00 AM

Posted Feb. 18, 2013 at 10:00 AM

Chicago

In 2012, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported more than $44 million was recovered from 20,000 people who wrongfully collected unemployment insurance. Federal tax returns were confiscated from those who refused IDES' offer of a repayment plan.

So far this year, IDES has asked the Internal Revenue Service to seize an additional $226 million from 71,000 people who either purposefully defrauded the IDES or should have known they were not entitled to the temporary benefits.

This is the second year that IDES can garnish federal tax returns following reforms enacted in 2011. The initiatives to fight fraud, increase tax fairness and reduce costs for businesses are part of Gov. Pat Quinn's plan to improve the state's climate for job creation and strengthen the Illinois economy.